Forget everything you know, Game of Thrones just changed all of the rules

Warning: full spoilers for Game of Thrones season 6, episode 5, “The Door” follow…

One of the exciting elements of the sixth season of Game of Thrones is that book readers and show watchers are now equally susceptible to the shocking moments that this series so often provides.

These last several episodes have been filled to the brim with gems and revelations, but in terms of the lore and the future of this series none more significant than what happened for Bran Stark and Hodor…NO DOOR…not Hodor, this week. The loss of that character was heartbreakingly and beautifully realized.

As far as the very foundations of this reality are concerned: First, the Children of the Forest created the White Walkers, which frankly alters most of what we thought we knew about their origins.

Second, not only can Bran see the past, but — in a causal loop — affected it! We can now look at the events of this series with that lens. Bran may have a far bigger role to play in this event in play than we ever imagined. Additionally, he has now — seemingly — opened the door to the White Walkers finding their way past the Wall and bringing a rain of death with them.

Winter, it seems, is here.

And that's just ONE scene among many that were both powerful and impactful.

Here, Alan Sepinwall and Roth Cornet talk about “The Door,” one of the most significant episodes of Game of Thrones to date…

Take a look in the player above or below and let us know what you think here or on Twitter.